CAMPUS SAFETY MEASURES IN EVENT OF HOSTILE PERSON INCIDENT

The safety and security of every individual on campus is always the paramount concern
of the campus Police Department and the university. In light of the shooting incident
that took place recently at Virginia Tech, we would like to provide students, faculty
and staff with suggestions to maximize everyone's safety, in case a hostile situation
should arise from within or outside Southern's campus. The following are nationally
accepted recommendations provided by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement
Administrators (IACLEA):

Hostile Intruder(s) on the Grounds of the University

When a hostile person(s) is actively causing death or serious physical injury or the
threat of imminent death or serious physical injury to person(s) on the campus, we
recommend the following procedures be implemented:

Run away from the threat if you can, as fast as you can.

Contact University Police at 888 if possible or dial 911 from any phone.

Do not run in a straight line.

While you are running, keep vehicles, bushes, trees, and anything that could possibly
block the view of the hostile person(s) between you and the hostile person.

If you can get away from the immediate area of danger, summon help and warn others.

If you decide to hide, take into consideration the area in which you are hiding. Will
I be found here? Is this really a good spot to remain hidden?

If the person(s) is causing death or serious physical injury to others and you are
unable to run or hide you may choose to play dead if other victims are around you.

The last option you have if caught in an open area outside may be to fight back. This
is dangerous, but depending on your situation, this could be your last option.

If you are caught by the intruder and you are not going to fight back, do not look
the intruder in the eyes, and obey all commands. Do not appear to pose a challenge-be
submissive.

Once the police arrive, obey all commands. This may involve your being handcuffed
or made to put your hands in the air. This is done for safety reasons, and once circumstances
are evaluated by the police, they will give you further directions to follow.

This training guide cannot cover every possible situation that might occur but it
is a training tool that can reduce the number of injuries or deaths if put into action
as soon as a situation develops. Time is the most important factor in the optimal
management of these types of situations.

Hostile Intruder in a Non-Residence Hall Building

When a hostile person(s) is actively causing death or serious bodily injury or the
threat of imminent death or serious bodily injury to person(s) within a building,
we recommend the following procedures be implemented.

While the guide refers primarily to academic buildings, it should be stated that these
procedures are also relevant to administrative buildings and other common buildings
on the campus:

Faculty should immediately lock the students and themselves in the classroom if possible.
Cover any windows or openings that have a direct line of sight into the hallway.

If communication is available, call 911 and or 888 (University Police)

Do not sound the fire alarm. A fire alarm would signal the occupants to evacuate the
building and thus place them in potential harm as they attempted to exit.

Lock the windows and close blinds or curtains.

Stay away from the windows.

Turn off lights and all audio equipment.

Try to remain as calm as possible.

Keep everyone together.

Keep classrooms secure until police arrive and give you directions.

If you are not in a classroom, try to get to a classroom or an office.

Stay out of open areas and be as quiet as possible.

If for some reason you are caught in an open area such as a hallway or lounge, you
must decide what you are going to do. This is a very crucial time and it can possibly
mean life or death.

You can try to hide, but make sure it is a well-hidden space or you may be found as
the intruder moves through the building looking for victims.

If you think you can safely make it out of the building by running, do so. If you
decide to run, do not run in a straight line. Attempt to keep objects such as, desks,
cabinets, fixtures, etc. between you and the hostile person(s). Once outside, do not
run in a straight line. Use trees, vehicles, and other objects to block you from the
view of intruders.

If the person(s) are causing death or serious physical injury to others and you are
unable to run or hide, you may choose to play dead if other victims are around you.

Your last option if you are caught in an open area in a building may be to fight back.
This is dangerous, but depending on your situation, this could be your last option.

If you are caught by the intruder and are not going to fight back, obey all commands
and do not look the intruder in the eyes.

Once the police arrive, obey all commands. This may involve your being handcuffed,
or keeping your hands in the air. This is done for safety reasons, and once circumstances
are evaluated by the police, they will give you further directions to follow.

Hostile Intruder(s) in a Residence Hall

When a hostile person(s) is actively causing deadly harm or the imminent threat of
deadly harm within the residence hall, we recommend the following procedures be implemented:

Lock yourself in your room.

If communication is available, call 911 or 888 (University Police)

If away from your room, join others in a room that can be locked.

Do not stay in the open hall.

Do not sound the fire alarm. A fire alarm would signal the occupants in the rooms
to evacuate the building and thus place them in potential harm as they attempted to
exit.

Barricade yourself in your room with desks, beds, or anything you can push against
the door.

Lock your window and close blinds or curtains.

Stay away from the window.

Turn all lights and audio equipment off.

Try to stay calm and be as quiet as possible.

If you are caught in the open such as hallways and lounge areas, you must decide what
you are going to do. This is a very crucial time and can possibly mean life or death
depending on your actions.

You can try to hide, but make sure it is a well-hidden space or you may be found as
the intruder moves through the dorm looking for more victims.

If you think you can safely make it out of the building by running, do so. If you
decide to run, do not run in a straight line. Keep any objects you can between you
and the hostile person (s) while in the building. Once outside, do not run in a straight
line.

If the person(s) are causing death or serious physical injury to others and you are
unable to run or hide, you may choose to play dead if other victims are around you.

The last option you have if caught in an open area in the dorm maybe to fight back.
This is dangerous, but depending on your situation, this could be your last option.

If you are caught by the intruder and are not going to fight back, obey all commands
and do not look the intruder in the eyes.

Once the police arrive, obey all commands. This may involve your being handcuffed
or made to put your hands in the air. This is done for safety reasons, and once circumstances
are evaluated by the police, they will give you further directions to follow.